Description

THRIVE SMALL BUSINESS SUMMIT & MATCHMAKER 
January 30, 2025  |  8AM – 5PM
Hilton Garden Inn/Home2 Suites
6840 Almeda Road, Houston, TX 77030

Please note: Online registration is now closed. However, walk-in/onsite registration will be available for this event. Walk-in attendees will be unable to participate in the Matchmaker sessions.  If there are participant cancellations for the Matchmaker, we will try to accommodate walk-in registered attendees.

The THRIVE Small Business Summit is a catalyst event of the Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce, designed to empower, educate, and inspire small business owners, entrepreneurs, and leaders to grow and thrive. 

This dynamic and transformative day brings together a diverse audience, offering unparalleled opportunities to connect, learn, and share strategies for small business success in today’s competitive marketplace—all while celebrating the vibrant, inclusive spirit of the region's business community.

Who should attend?

• Small Business Owners
• Supplier Diversity Professionals
• LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Groups (ERG)
• Small Business Support Organizations

If you are part of a supplier diversity or an LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group (ERG), this event is designed to engage you with small businesses as well!

THRIVE is designed to provide the resources, tools, and inspiration to help entrepreneurs grow their businesses and connect with Chamber Impact Partners and other members through the B2C, B2B and B2E Matchmaker.

Join us for this one-day Summit on January 30th and keep an eye out for announcements about the event.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

• Your Business Pitch: Elevator, Value Proposition & First Impression
• Artificial Intelligence Made Simple for Small Business Owners
• Employee Issues Keeping You Up at Night?
• The Power of Storytelling: Using Your "Why" to Grow Your Business

Kym Adams (she/her) CEO, Solution Developer The Business Team	Jha Allen (she/her) Founder Endless 8 Marketing	Rachel Bickham, CDT (she/her) CEO Bickham Services Unlimited, LLC	Laura E. DeSantos (she/her) Managing Partner, Houston Office Gordon Res Scully Mansukhani
Estella Gonzalez (she/her) Executive Director Department of Economic Equity & Opportunity, Harris County	Jenny Selber Gustafson (she/her) Founder & CEO Like Minds Communications	Brian Hall (he/him) Advisor; Supplier Diversity & Advocacy Shell USA	Julie Irvin Hartman, EMBA, CF, APMP (she/her) Co-Founder B2G Victory
Rod Jahromi (he/him) Procurement Corporate Category Family Manager ExxonMobil	Cheryl D. Jones (she/her) Manager, Supplier Access & Inclusion Corporate Supply Chain Memorial Hermann	Megan M. Mitchell (she/her) Partner Gordon Res Scully Mansukhani	JP Ramirez (he/him) Client & Community Relations Director PNC Bank
Susan Repka (she/her) Co-Founder B2G Victory	Crystal Royal (she/her) Manager, Supplier Diversity H-E-B	Ryan Wilson (he/him) Director of Corporate Relations Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce	Mark Winchester (he/him) District Director, Houston District Office U.S. Small Business Administration

Innovator Sponsor

Champion Sponsors

Matchmaker Sponsor


Host

 

THRIVE MATCHMAKER

The Matchmaker is one of the most anticipated features of the Summit! This program facilitates one-on-one, pre-scheduled meetings between small business owners and "buyers" including LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), and supplier diversity partners. It’s an unparalleled opportunity to create meaningful connections. Click here for more information.

THE THREE MATCHMAKER FORMATS 

	Brings together certified suppliers with local Chamber Impact Partners for procurement opportunities.	Impact Partner Registration
	Brings together certified suppliers with other suppliers to learn about opportunities to work and partner together, perhaps on tiered contract opportunities or other types of partnerships.	Small Business Registration
	Connects small business members with Chamber Impact Partner LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) leaders. This is an opportunity for LGBTQ+-owned businesses to share their products or services that support ERG Pride Month activities (and throughout the year!).	ERG/BRG Registration

Certified members are invited to participate in either B-2-C or B-2-ERG
Certified and non-certified members can participate in the B-2-ERG

Businesses wishing to participate in the Matchmaker must complete the Supplier Form. 
Upon registration, the form link will be emailed to you.

BUYERS

MATCHMAKER BENEFITS

Community Connections
Connect with fellow community members, industry leaders,employee resource groups, and potential partners who are all invested in seeing your business succeed.

New Market Knowledge
Discover untapped markets and gain insights into emerging opportunities. This event is your gateway to expanding your reach and connecting with prospects.

Business Growth
Explore potential partnerships potentially boosting your business’ bottom line.

Efficiency
Opportunity to meet multiple prospects in one location, saving you time and resources.

Brand Elevation
Showcase your products or services to a captive audience and solidify your brand.

Long-lasting Relationships
The connections you make at this event will extend beyond the day. Build long-term partnerships and collaborations that will continue to benefit your business.

Participating in Matchmaker is an investment in your business’ success. We can't wait to see you there forging connections that support YOUR biz!